85 Years of Combined Community Legal Service

A real estate attorney in Florida plays a crucial role in property transactions. They review and prepare legal documents, conduct title searches, resolve title issues, assist with negotiations, and ensure compliance with state laws. They also attend closings, explain legal terms, and protect their clients' interests throughout the process.

While it's not legally required to have a lawyer for a real estate transaction in Florida, it's highly recommended. Transactions involve complex legal documents and potential risks. A lawyer can protect your interests, ensure all paperwork is properly completed, and address any legal issues that may arise during the process.

A title search is a thorough examination of public records to determine legal ownership of a property and identify any claims, defects, or encumbrances. It helps ensure the seller has the right to sell and that the buyer will receive clear title — uncovering issues like liens, easements, or disputes that could affect value or ownership.

The Florida Homestead Exemption is a tax benefit that can reduce the taxable value of your primary residence by up to $50,000. To qualify, you must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence. It also provides certain protections against forced sale and restrictions on how the property can be devised after death.

Foreclosure in Florida is typically a judicial process — the lender must file a lawsuit to foreclose. It involves filing a complaint, serving the homeowner, allowing time to respond, and potentially a trial. If the court rules for the lender, a foreclosure sale is scheduled. Florida law provides various protections, including the right to redeem the property up to the time of sale.

Common defects in Florida include liens (unpaid property taxes or mechanic's liens), boundary disputes, easements, encroachments, errors in public records, unknown heirs, forged documents, and undisclosed marriages or divorces. These can complicate transactions and may require legal intervention to resolve.

A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor has in a property to the grantee, without warranties about the title's status. It's often used to transfer property between family members or remove someone from a title — but it offers the least protection, as it doesn't guarantee a clear title or that the seller actually owns the property.

Adverse possession in Florida allows someone to claim ownership of a property they've occupied without the owner's permission for at least seven years. The possession must be actual, open, notorious, hostile, continuous, and exclusive, and the occupant must have paid all property taxes during this period. This law is complex and rarely successful, often requiring legal expertise to navigate.

Choosing between a will and a trust depends on factors like the size of the estate, privacy concerns, and whether ongoing management for beneficiaries is desired. We can review your situation and recommend the most appropriate documents for your goals.

Not always. Assets with named beneficiaries, jointly titled property, and assets held in trust generally pass outside of probate. Whether formal or summary administration is required depends on the size and structure of the estate — something we can evaluate for you.

Florida summary administration can take a few weeks to a couple of months, while formal administration typically runs roughly six months to a year — longer if the estate is contested or complex. We work to keep the process moving as efficiently as possible.

A personal representative (called an executor in some states) is the person or institution appointed to administer the estate — gathering assets, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to the rightful beneficiaries.

Yes. Tools like revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, and proper titling can reduce or avoid probate altogether. We build an estate plan around your family's specific situation and wishes.

You may need one if you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm, and you're seeking compensation for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and advocate for your rights.

A lawyer provides legal expertise, representation, and support — negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf, gathering evidence, calculating fair compensation, and, if necessary, representing you in court. Having a lawyer also increases the likelihood of securing a higher settlement or award.

Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement or award — typically a percentage of the compensation recovered. We discuss all fees upfront so the agreement is clear before we begin.

Prioritize your safety and seek immediate medical attention. Report the incident to the relevant authorities and collect evidence, including photographs and witness information. Avoid discussing fault or signing documents from insurance companies without consulting a lawyer first.

We handle a wide range of cases, including auto, motorcycle, and truck accidents, medical malpractice, slip and fall accidents, product liability, nursing home abuse, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death claims.

In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. Exceptions and special circumstances can apply, so it's important to consult an attorney promptly to protect your claim.